Seaweed could help solve UK iodine deficiency
The lack of iodine in our diets, across the UK and around the world, is now a prominent health issue, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Due to the fact that we are not eating enough dairy and sea food – where iodine would typically be found.
A new study, done at the University of Glasgow, looked at the potential for seaweed – a rich source of the nutrient – as a food which can help British women reach the recommended daily iodine intake.
A diet sufficient in iodine is important for thyroid health, which helps with metabolism and it is also good for the skin and growth in children. Obtaining sufficient amounts of iodine in the diet is particularly important for pregnant women as iodine is key for infant brain development during pregnancy.
The tests found that, due to the seaweed food matrix, the iodine from seaweed was released at lower level and over a longer period compared with iodine from iodine supplements. This meant a sustained release of the nutrient over time.
Dr Emily Combet, who carried out the study said “this study shows that seaweed offers a way of addressing iodine deficiency in a healthy, palatable way.”
Mara Seaweed’s Kombu has the highest level of iodine of all our seaweeds.
Comments
Florinda Trollope
May 31 2015
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